The holiday season transforms malls into winter wonderlands, and Eastland Mall in Bloomington, Illinois, is no exception. Each year, the mall meticulously plans and executes a timeline for setting up its Christmas decorations, turning the shopping center into a festive hub that attracts visitors from all over the region. Here's an in-depth look at how Eastland Mall prepares for the holiday season:
Pre-Planning Stage
Months before the first snowflake graces the ground, Eastland Mall kicks off its festive preparation:
- June to August: Planning sessions with the mall’s marketing, management, and maintenance teams begin. They decide on the theme, budget, and decorations.
- August: Themes are finalized, and orders for specific decorations are placed to ensure timely delivery.
- September: The marketing team starts promotions to build anticipation, announcing the theme and dates for special holiday events.
Setup and Installation
As the leaves start to change color, the real work begins:
- October: Large indoor decorations like trees, wreaths, and oversized ornaments start arriving.
- Mid to Late October: Installations begin, focusing first on the main entrance areas and common spaces to create a welcoming environment for early holiday shoppers.
- Late October to Early November: Specialized installation crews work overnight to minimize disruption to mall operations.
Key activities during this time include:
- Hanging garlands along the walkways.
- Setting up large, illuminated festive displays.
- Installing Santa's Workshop or similar holiday-themed attractions.
🌟 Note: Decorations are often set up in phases to keep the mall visually appealing while ensuring safety and minimal disturbance to shoppers.
Final Touches
By mid-November, the mall is well on its way to becoming a holiday destination:
- First Week of November: Outdoor lighting is tested and finalized.
- November: Live installations like Santa’s arrival, children’s choirs, and tree lighting ceremonies are scheduled.
Here's what happens in the final stages:
- Enhancing with sensory experiences like holiday scents and festive music.
- Adding finishing touches like bows, ribbon, and tinsel.
- Setting up interactive displays for children to engage with the decorations.
Event Schedule
The following is a typical timeline for holiday events at Eastland Mall:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| First Saturday in November | Official Lighting Ceremony |
| Thanksgiving Weekend | Black Friday Sales & Family Fun Day |
| Early December | Santa's Arrival & First Photos |
| Mid December | Holiday Market |
| Christmas Eve | Last Day for Santa Photos |
🔔 Note: Event schedules can vary each year, so checking Eastland Mall's official calendar is advised.
In summary, the transformation of Eastland Mall into a festive winter wonderland involves meticulous planning, execution, and a touch of holiday magic. This process not only boosts the holiday spirit but also enhances the shopping experience, drawing crowds looking to immerse themselves in the joy of the season. Each year, the mall aims to outdo its previous decorations, creating new memories for visitors and fostering a sense of community during this special time of year.
When does Eastland Mall start setting up its Christmas decorations?
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Eastland Mall begins setting up its Christmas decorations in mid-October, with the first phase focusing on key indoor areas to ensure a festive start for holiday shoppers.
What types of holiday events can visitors expect at Eastland Mall?
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Visitors can expect events like the official lighting ceremony, Black Friday sales, Santa’s arrival, holiday markets, and special photo opportunities with Santa.
How long do the Christmas decorations stay up at Eastland Mall?
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The decorations usually remain through the holiday season until just after New Year’s Day, with a gradual deconstruction beginning shortly thereafter.
Is there a specific theme for the decorations every year?
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Yes, Eastland Mall chooses a new theme each year, which influences the color schemes, types of decorations, and the atmosphere created within the mall.
